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DNR Continues Investigation of Fish Kill on Lake St. Clair

Contact:  Steve Hewett 517-373-2842
Agency: Natural Resources


June 15, 2009

The Department of Natural Resources is actively investigating a fish kill on Lake St. Clair. The fish kill was reported to the DNR on June 2 and is concentrated in the area of 9 Mile and 11 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores.

"The fish kill appears to be a few thousand smallmouth bass and low numbers of a few other species, including yellow perch, northern pike and carp based on the observations DNR staff at the Lake St. Clair Research Station." states Steve Hewett, DNR Fisheries Division's Lake Erie Basin coordinator. "It is not unusual to have fish kills like this one right after spawning when the fish are in poorer physical condition. It has been a while since we have had a smallmouth bass die-off like this one, but it is not unique."

"It is likely that these fish have been concentrated along the St. Clair Shores shoreline by an abnormal weather pattern with sustained east winds," said Bob Haas, manager of the DNR Fish Research Station in Mt. Clemens.

DNR Fisheries Division staff collected 14 smallmouth bass and 1 northern pike on June 4 for further analysis at the Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory.

Preliminary results have detected heavy Flavobacterium columnare infection, a common fish bacterial pathogen in Michigan's waters that usually causes mortalities when fish are stressed.

"Typical stressors that allow this bacteria to cause fish kills are spawning stress when fish do not feed normally, abnormal water temperatures, and extra human handling such as catch and release fishing," said Gary Whelan, DNR fish production manager. "We are awaiting additional results from the lab, including viral analyses. It should be noted that there are no practical treatments for diseased wild fish."

"As additional information is available, we will ensure the public is informed on this fish kill," Dr. Kelley Smith, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division.

For more information on fish in Michigan, including how to report a fish kill, visit the DNR Fisheries Division Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources
for current and future generations.

Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors
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